Moringa Oleifera has been gaining traction in the weight loss world. With so many diet fads, supplements, and exercises out there, it’s hard to pick the right one for you. We like to think of weight loss as a lifestyle, and sustained, healthy living translates into a happy and healthy life.

Weight loss is usually the culmination of many things, versus one singular aspect that reduces fat loss long-term. We encourage you to speak to your doctor before starting any weight loss program, as underlying conditions such as diabetes, and certain medications can have effects on your body.

NOTE: Companies cannot buy our recommendation, we only recommend brands we believe in. Full disclosure, if you purchase from a link on this site we may receive a commission. You will never pay more and will often pay less. For any questions, please visit our Affiliate Disclaimer.

Read our blog post on The Top 12 Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds here. If you are looking for an added boost in your weight loss goals, consider moringa as a low-calorie, high-fiber, natural blood sugar reducer, high nutrient, detoxifying option.

See our top favorite reasons of why we love moringa for weight loss.

Moringa For Weight Loss-

1) Stimulates Metabolism:

Your metabolism is the fire that burns your fuel. Regular exercise can increase your metabolism by burning through your reserves and moving on to burn through fats for energy. As you age, metabolism slows down and fat gets distributed in certain unwanted areas. Muscle burns through fat for energy, which is another reason why it’s important to stay active as you age. Muscle burns more calories than fat.

Along with exercise and proper diet, moringa has been shown to support and stimulate your metabolism. You can take moringa powder, often in a tea or added to recipes, can steep the leaves to make a tea, bake the seeds for a snack, or take it as a daily supplement. Moringa is high in glucosinolates, which is a natural component in many pungent plants like cabbage, broccoli, mustard, and horseradish.

These vegetables are known to prevent certain cancers and promote weight loss. It is also high in fatty acids, which is great for inflammation and anti-aging. Saturated fats are harder to break down, and often get stored in the body. Moringa breaks down these saturated fats, thus preventing the accumulation of fat in the gut.

2) High Fiber for a Healthy Digestion:

Fibrous foods act like a broom to sweep out debris, waste, and leftover food that has accumulated in your colon. Digestive health is so important for many things like your immune system, mood, skin, sleep, and weight loss. There are more bacteria cells than human cells in the human body, up to 7 billion bacteria!

A probiotic, or “good bacteria” is a useful supplement to take during weight loss but also in general to keep the good bacteria in high quantities. These good bacteria promote a healthy immune system so you are less likely to get sick, and help the body eliminate gas and bloating, while getting rid of toxins.

There is also more serotonin, the neurotransmitter that makes you feel good, in your gut than your brain. Most people think of taking an SSRI (selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor) or antidepressant for anxiety and stress, yet taking care of your gut health should be the first priority. Eliminating toxins and waste through your colon also promotes healthy and glowing skin and restful sleep.

Moringa is high in fiber, which prevents fat from accumulating in the gut. Fiber also prevents constipation, bloating, and also prevents over-eating and cravings by giving the body signals that it is “full.”

3) Helps the Liver Detox:

Moringa is high in chlorophyll, which you can think of as the red blood cell of the plant world. Chlorophyll is known as a superfood for its antioxidant, anti-cancer, and overall health benefits. It improves liver function and detoxification, and is great for digestion and skin health.

Moringa supports liver function to detoxify heavy metals that can accumulate in the body from environmental toxins, food, and other health and beauty products. Liver function is vital to overall health and longevity. If your liver is not functioning properly, it cannot detoxify and process the toxins that are needed to be eliminated for optimal health and weight loss goals.

See below a recipe for optimal liver health. Just add all ingredients to a juicer or Vitamix.

Liver Cleanse Juice:

1-2 tablespoona moringa powder

1/4 cup chopped mint leaves

1/4 cup chopped dandelion greens

1/4 cup stinging nettle

1 tspn apple cider vinegar

3-4 handfuls of greens : spinach, kale, mustard greens

2 juiced lemons

2 stalks celery

4) Help Reduce Blood Sugar:

Diabetes is one of the biggest health problems in our society today. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affect’s the body’s ability to produce or use insulin (which is a hormone that turns glucose, or sugar, into energy). According to Doctor’s Health Press, a 2014 study published in Acta Histochemica reported that moringa oleifera seeds can lower blood sugar levels in rats. Another study in the Journal of Diabetes found that moringa pod extract helped to increase insulin production and protein levels and reduce blood glucose levels.

Long-term complications of diabetes include damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain, and legs and small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It can also increase the risk of other conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and nerve damage in the feet. Along with diet and exercise, moringa is a great addition to support lowering blood sugar levels to manage diabetes and sustain weight loss goals.

5) Reduce Food Cravings

Cravings can come from an emotional place of wanting to feel supported, loved, or taken care of, but can also come from your body’s signals of needing the right nutrients. Moringa is so highly nutritious yet low-calorie, and full of fiber, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, your body is being supported and supplemented from different arenas.

A lot of people snack because they feel tired, and a single serving of moringa has 3 times more iron than spinach. Iron is what your body needs for red blood cells which gets used for energy. More energy and nutrients reduces cravings and promotes weight loss.

It is also a low-glycemic food, meaning your blood sugar will remain steady and you won’t have an energy crash that make you give in to the mid-afternoon work snacks of junk food and candy.

6) Reduces Water Retention

Moringa is a natural diuretic, meaning it gets rid of excess fluid in the body that can cause swelling, bloating, feeling of fullness, and water retention. Around certain times of the month, women can often retain a lot of water, which leads to days of discomfort. Moringa is a natural and safe way to manage these symptoms, while also promoting weight loss that is especially difficult during menstruation.

Moringa is a great option to supplement your weight loss goals. It has overall health benefits, with specific metabolic and detoxifying needs for sustained weight loss. Experiment with using moringa seed powder, leaves, seeds, or supplements to fit your lifestyle needs. Read our blog post on The Top 10 Moringa Recipes here.

Moringa Oleifera, also known as the “Tree of Life,” is rightfully named because of its potential to use everything from root to leaf to seed for many health benefits. Moringa is a super hardy, resilient tree that is mostly grown in the tropics of Asia and Africa. It can withstand various weather and soil conditions, and can be harvested year-round, making it one of the most sustainable plants out there.

It can grow almost 10 feet per year in peak conditions, yet will even produce pods filled with moringa seeds in times of drought. It is bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids that can help with many health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood sugar, skin conditions, digestive health, and even water purification. The cuttings and branches can be used for animal feed or mulch, so literally nothing is wasted. According to Dr. Axe,in 2008 the National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the“plant of the year,” acknowledging that “perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.” It is quite an amazing tree!

The top uses of moringa are the leaves, powder, seeds, or oil extracted from the seeds. Moringa leaves can be steeped into a tea or used in cooking for stews and other dishes. The powder can be sprinkled into recipes, used as a tea, or encapsulated to make into a daily supplement. The oil is typically used for skin conditions, such as acne, to prevent scarring, for psoriasis / eczema, rashes, and other skin irritations.

NOTE: Companies cannot buy our recommendation, we only recommend brands we believe in. Full disclosure, if you purchase from a link on this site we may receive a commission. You will never pay more and will often pay less. For any questions, please visit our Affiliate Disclaimer.

Moringa Oleifera Seeds

Moringa oleifera seeds come from the pods on the moringa tree. An average size moringa tree is about 15-20 feet high, each pod is about a foot in length, and can produce about a dozen seeds. The seeds have two flaps on them, making sure these ‘wings’ enable them to fly away from the mother tree to germinate far and wide. The trees produce seeds annually, yet each harvest can yield hundreds to thousands of seeds. It is quite an amazing tree!

The seeds can be roasted, steamed, or boiled and eaten as a snack and can also be added to many of your favorite recipes for a low-sugar, high-protein, high-omega, high-potassium, high vitamin C health boost. Read on to find out the many benefits of moringa seeds for specific health conditions and overall wellness.

1) Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes is one of the biggest health problems in our society today. Diabetes affect’s the body’s ability to produce or use insulin (which is a hormone that turns glucose, or sugar, into energy). According to Doctor’s Health Press, a 2014 study published in Acta Histochemica reported that moringa oleifera seeds can lower blood sugar levels in rats. Another study in the Journal of Diabetes found that moringa pod extract helped to increase insulin production and protein levels and reduce blood glucose levels.

Long-term complications of diabetes include damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain, and legs and small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It can also increase the risk of other conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and nerve damage in the feet. Along with diet and exercise, moringa is a great addition to lowering blood sugar levels to manage diabetes. Of course, consult your physician before you start any health regimen.

2) Lowers High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol.

High blood pressure, if left untreated, can lead to other health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Moringa is an herb that actually improves how the heart contracts, making it more efficient and able to pump blood throughout the body. The seed extracts act as heart and circulatory system stimulant to help lower blood pressure naturally. Moringa seeds are also 70% oleic acid, which protects cell membranes from free radicals, reduces blood pressure, and is one of the most common fats in myelin, which is a protective sheath around nerves and the brain. Other foods high in oleic acid are olive oil, grapeseed oil, nuts, avocado, and eggs.

3) Promotes Healthy Skin.

According to Doctor’s Health Press, the moringa seed is about 40% oil, and the cold-pressed extract is often called Ben oil or Behen oil. It has an oleic acid content of 72%, meaning it can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Moringa is also high in over 30 antioxidants and vitamins including Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are important for collagen production. Collagen decreases with age, and these vitamins enhance the firmness and radiance of the skin. Adding a few drops of moringa oil to your moisturizer or eye cream can help decrease these fine lines and wrinkles, and keep you looking your best. According to Trinity Kitchen, moringa is extremely high in the cytokinin plant hormone called zeatins, actually thousands of times higher than most plants studied. Zeatin protects the skin by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes that are anti-aging.

4) Purifies Water.

After the oil has been extracted from the seed, there is a ‘seed cake’ that remains that can be used to purify water. The seed cake is placed into the water, and after a period of time acts as a sponge, pulling bacteria, toxins, impurities, dirt, and algae into the cake, leaving behind clean water after it is filtered through a thin cloth. According to Dr. Axe, some studies have shown that 0.2 grams of ground moringa seed can turn one liter of contaminated water into safe drinking water. This is an incredible benefit especially because moringa is often grown in 3rd world countries where clean water is a huge issue. If we could educate the local people how to use this entire plant, it could provide food and nutrients as well as clean water for drinking and daily use.

5) Increases Energy.

We all know Popeye ate spinach for energy, well guess what? A single serving of moringa has three times the amount of iron than spinach! About 70% of your body’s iron is found in the red blood cells of your blood called hemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your entire body. A lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, dry skin and hair, and even fainting.

6) Promotes a Healthy Digestion.

Moringa is high in fiber, which acts like a scrubber inside your colon. Debris and food waste don’t get stuck in the wall of your digestive tract, and you can have healthy, daily bowel movements. Constipation causes all sorts of things like bloating, weight gain, and even sleep and mood changes.

7) Anti-viral / Anti-bacterial / Anti-fungal.

According to allthingsmoringa.com moringa leaf powder has 46 types of antioxidants, 18 amino acids, 10 times the vitamin A of carrots, 15 times the potassium of bananas, and 17 times the calcium of cows milk. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage in tissues, which damages cells, weakens the immune system, and accelerates aging. As well as having a ton of nutrients to keep your body working at its best, the flowers and leaves contain pterygospermin, which is a natural antibiotic / antiseptic / fungicide. Moringa can both prevent illness, but also treat infections and illnesses such as sore throats, fever, bronchtitis, psoriasis, swollen glands, jaundice, urinary tract infections, ear and eye infections, skin infections, cholera, tuberculosis, and many, many more. Some researchers have found moringa to have anti-carcinogenic properties by promoting apoptosis, or cell death, of damaged or cancerous cells.

8) Highest Plant Protein Ever.

Moringa is about 40% protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. According to the USDA, moringa leaves contain all 9 essential amino acids, which are the 9 of 20 amino acids that we cannot produce ourselves in our bodies, and we need to get from food. About 15% of the mass of the average person is made of proteins materials, forming the structure of our muscle, cartilage, ligaments, skin, and hair. Protein molecules not only make up the structure of our bodies, but are responsible for many of the functioning as well. Having an accessible and sustainable protein source for people all over the world is a huge benefit.

9) Protects and Benefits your Eyes.

Moringa is super high in lutein, which is a carotenoid known to promote healthy eye function and prevent macular degeneration. For a healthy adult, the recommended dose is 5-20mg, and 100g of moringa has more than 70mg. Other foods high in lutein are carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. A combination of all these foods with moringa can be a great lutein-rich soup or stew.

10) Promotes Liver Function / Detox.

Moringa is high in chlorophyll, which you can think of as the red blood cell of the plant world. Chlorophyll is known as a superfood for its antioxidant, anti-cancer, and overall health benefits. It improves liver function and detoxification, and is great for digestion and skin health. According to Healthy and Natural World the Journal of Food Science found that moringa seed oil contains compounds which helps clear free radicals that can lead to liver disease. The oil was used successfully to repair liver damage from hepatitis, and can be used for other liver disorders. Moringa boosts liver function to detoxify heavy metals that can accumulate in the body from environmental toxins, food, and other health and beauty products. Liver function is vital to overall health and longevity.

11) Decreases Inflammation.

Moringa has powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with anything from injuries and joint pain, to inflammatory conditions such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and crohn’s disease. Many people say inflammation is the major cause of disease and aging. If we can reduce and manage the levels of inflammation in our bodies, we would live longer and healthier lives. According to Healthy and Natural World the journal Inflammation found that moringa seeds can reduce inflammation in chronic diseases, and other studies have found it helpful in rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune systems overreactive response that causes inflammation.

12) Anti-Aging.

According to Healthy and Natural World, there was a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology confirming that extracts from moringa seeds, leaves and fruit have powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants combat free radical damage, which is a chain reaction that damages a cells DNA, proteins, and membranes. Free radical damage can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, dehydrated skin, among other damage to skin and internal tissues. Fueling your body full of antioxidants makes it easier for your body to prevent cell damage and promote youthfulness.

Moringa truly fits the “miracle tree” hype. There are so many amazing health benefits, along with the sustainability aspect of being able to use not only the seed, but the oil, leaves, branches for animal feed, and even purifying water.

Let us know how moringa has helped you, and we will continue to update the article on recent studies and added health benefits.

Moringa has been named the “tree of life” and “miracle tree” for good reason. This superfood may be one of the most nutritious plants on earth, with tons of antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes vital to our optimal health and well-being.

Moringa powder contains all 9 essential amino acids that our bodies need but can’t make on their own. This powerhouse of a plant also contains cytokinins, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-aging effects. Needless to say, we want to sneak in more moringa in our diet, and thought you would as well.

NOTE: Companies cannot buy our recommendation, we only recommend brands we believe in. Full disclosure, if you purchase from a link on this site we may receive a commission. You will never pay more and will often pay less. For any questions, please visit our Affiliate Disclaimer.

How Can I Use Moringa?

The leaves: Most people think of using moringa leaves steeped in a tea. The plant components don’t lose their potency when dried, so don’t worry about losing out on all the benefits! Simply steep a tablespoon of dried moringa leaves into hot water for a mid-afternoon energy boost, or if you are feeling bloating or have an upset stomach. You can also add the leaves to a soup or stew for added flavor and nutrients.

Capsules and Powders: Capsules are very convenient to take daily or while traveling or if you don’t like to cook or have access to a kitchen. The powders are also very convenient and can be added to your daily morning smoothie.

Topically: Moringa oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. You can use the oil on your skin for minor scrapes and scratches, acne and C-section scars, or cracked or dry skin. You can even mix moringa powder with water or your favorite carrier oil like jojoba to make a paste for longer treatment of scars or wounds.

2) Moringa Oatmeal

Degree of Difficulty : Easy / Serving size : 4

This gluten-free, vegan recipe is a great breakfast option. You can use regular oats instead of gluten-free, coconut / cashew milk / cow milk instead of almond and play with different nut combinations like hazelnuts, almonds, or our favorite macadamia nuts. We also love coconut snectar instead of agave, so feel free to try play with that as well!

3) Moringa Superfood Smoothie with Maca, Flax Seed, and Tahini

Every great chef knows that great recipes start with the best ingredients, smoothies are no different. This superfood smoothie uses maca, one of our favorite superfoods found in high altitudes of the Peruvian Mountains. Maca has been known to balance the endocrine systems of both males and females which is responsible for our hormones, nervous system, brain function, and sexual function / fertility. The berries are rich in antioxidants which protect against cancer and heart disease among many other inflammatory conditions. For even more protein or good fats feel free to add a teaspoon of your favorite nut butter (we love almond or macadamia) or 1/2 of an avocado.

Instructions:

1) Halve, stone and roughly chop the avocados.

2) Leave a handful of roughly chopped avocados aside.3) Add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl and use a fork to mash everything together well.4) Add the remaining avocado and stir gently to combine. Drizzle with olive oil if desired and sprinkle with extra chopped coriander.

5. Raw Moringa and Mint Chocolate Squares

Degree of Difficulty : Medium / Difficult / Serving Size : 12 bars

You had me at mint. We love mint and chocolate! This is a way better option than any store-bought dessert treat. Better ingredients means you can enjoy the indulgence without the guilt or sugar-coma you would normally get from processed desserts. It’s amazing how good, good for you can taste.

Instructions:

1) For the base, blend the almonds in a food processor until you have a coarse flour. Add the salt, cacao powder and dates and blend again until your mixture sticks together easily with finger and thumb.

2) Press evenly into an 8×8″ baking tin, lined with parchment paper and place the tin in the freezer while you prepare the filling.

3) In a high powered blender or food processor, blend the cashews, mint leaves, liquid sweetener, moringa and non-dairy milk until very smooth. Add the melted coconut oil and blend again. Finally, add the mint extract, blend again and taste. Add a little more if needed.

4) Pour the mint filling over the prepared base and smooth out with a spatula. Return the tin to the freezer. Whisk together the chocolate ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Leave for a minute to cool slightly.

5) Pour over mint filling, spreading evenly (move quickly as it sets fast!). Sprinkle with cacao nibs and return to the freezer to fully set. Slice into squares and serve immediately or from the fridge for a softer texture.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Combine the milk, matcha and moringa powder in a small saucepan. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat, whisking a few times.

Once the milk has thickened a little and is warm, gently transfer to a blender. Add the coconut oil and honey and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a mug and serve immediately. Try with Manuka honey for an extra immunity boost!Thank you The Green Life.

6. “Cheesy” Moringa Popcorn

Degree of Difficulty : Easy / Serving Size : 3-4

We love this dairy-free and healthier version of everyone’s favorite movie snack. This “cheesy” option is not packed with the usual hydrogenated oils, fats, and sugar that the movies theaters or stores carry.

Instructions:

1) Mix nutritional yeast, moringa powder and sea salt in a small bowl.

2) Pop the popcorn in a popcorn machine, or in a large pot with 4 tbsp coconut oil.

3) If using a pot, add the coconut oil and three kernels. Cover the pot with a lid and heat to medium.

4) When the kernels have popped, remove them from the pot and add the rest of the kernels. Let them pop while shaking the pot every 10 seconds to make sure they don’t burn.

5) When all the kernels have popped, put the popcorn in a large bowl.

6) Drizzle 2 tbsp of melted coconut oil over the popcorn. Turn the popcorn around in the bowl to coat with the oil. (you can skip this step, but the oil helps the moringa topping stick to the popcorn).

7) Sprinkle the moringa topping over the popcorn and mix well. Add additional salt to taste.

7) Super Green Bowl With Moringa Cashew Sauce

2 pinches arabian baharat spice mix (we also like zaatar which is easier to find, or any mix of spices you like)

Green Bowl (for 1-2 servings)

1 small head of broccoli, chopped

1 cup kale leaves, stems removed

1 handful peas

1 handful edamame

1 handful green beans

1/2 avocado, sliced

1 handful fresh coriander

2 tbsp toasted, chopped almonds

Instructions:

1) For the sauce, rinse and drain cashews. Add to a blender with the other ingredients and blend until smooth.

2) For the bowl, start by steaming the broccoli florets for 5 minutes. Then add all the other ingredients to the steam basket and steam everything for approx. 5 minutes over high heat. The vegetables should be a vibrant green and still a little crisp.

3) Arrange the vegetables in a bowl, garnish with the avocado, coriander and almonds and drizzle generously with the sauce. Thank you Aduna beautiful pictures and recipes as usual.

8. Moringa Chicken Soup

Degree of Difficulty : Easy / Serving Size : 3-4

Chicken soup for the soul, indeed. This nutrient-packed soup will keep you warm on a chilly night or will help you recover from a cold and /or flu and with the addition of Moringa, you can get the extra added boost.

Ingredients:

2 Chicken breasts, cubed

Handful of Moringa leaves

Chayote, peeled and cubed / * If not available, choose any vegetable mix you like such as bok choy, spinach, celery, onions, or carrots.

5 cups Water

Instructions

In a pot, boil water in high heat and then add the salt and the Chicken breasts. Reduce heat and let the chicken cook, about 15 minutes.

9. Cacao & Matcha Moringaroons

Ni Secret here, I just love coconut and chocolate, so this one was a no brainer. Let’s get down to business.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 tablespoon moringa powder

1 heaped tablespoon matcha

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

Optional cacao crunch: 2 tablespoons raw cacao nibs

pinch of sea salt

5 tablespoons maple syrup

4 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons cashew butter (any nut or seed butter will do)

1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Optional cacao layer:

2 tablespoons cacao powder

Instructions :

Mix all dry ingredients (except cacao powder for layer) in a bowl.

Add in wet ingredients, mix well until the texture is even.

Now, you have two choices: (1) You can either press the mixture into an ice cube tray (fun shapes for kids!) and freeze for 2 hours. After that, your moringaroons are ready to be eaten. Remember to keep them in the fridge. (2) Shape the mixture into balls, then roll them in cacao magic and cacao nibs for an indulgently healthy chocolate touch. Freeze for 2 hours, then keep in a tight container in the fridge. Thank you Breakfast Criminals

10. Moringa & Zucchini Fritters with Mango Dip

Easier than it sounds once you have all the ingredients and really tasty and well you know, good for you too.

Ron Finnley is from South Central Los Angeles, or as the attempted rebranding a couple years ago called it, “South Los Angeles”. Whatever you want to call it, (South Central) is primarily known for being the epicenter of a lot of the bad when it comes to describing Los Angeles in general.

As someone who used to live in LA, I can tell you that the overall consensus was to avoid driving around or through this area at all costs. I ventured close, but never quite in South Central.

With South Central comes the aforementioned litany of “bad things” – gangs, poverty, violence, poor education system, and misguided youth. For most, the lens through which one views this area is probably dominated by Hollywood films such as Boyz in the Hood or Friday. For Ron Finnley, the man’s legacy is in South Central. He’s raised his kids there, was raised there himself, and doesn’t sound like he’s leaving any time soon.

For Ron, the list of “bad things” all revolve around a lesser-known problem in the area: the food supply and dietary habits. It’s no secret that those who come from more impoverished areas typically rely on the system heavily for financial assistance and food stamps. Because of the scarcity of quality food sources, the options are relegated to a host of fast food joints and liquor stores, which are typically stocked with “late night snack” food.

In the continual cycle of poverty for South Central and other parts of the country, personal health is not a mainstream issue as either an educational solution or a lifestyle choice; both of these tend to escape the communal mentality only to further slide downward over the years.

A New Way of Thinking

Ron’s philosophy on changing the status quo started with a seed. He comes across as a guy who has probably experienced a lot of craziness that comes with growing up and raising kids in South Central Los Angeles, so he understands the fabric of why South Central is the way it is. There’s no doubt that he reached an epiphany at one point in life when he decided to pursue different hobbies, one of them mainly being gardening.

The gardening is really only a piece of the story though. As Ron points out in the beginning of his TED Talk, South Central is mainly made up of 3 types of establishments: fast food, liquor stores, and lots and lots of vacant land. In his words, “the drive thru’s are killing more people than the drive by’s.” Beverly Hills, only a 20-minute drive away (that’s short for LA driving) provides stark contrast to the “food desert” of South Central.

Wheelchairs are so commonplace where Ron lives that he compares them to used cars. Dialysis Centers are becoming prevalent equally as fast to accommodate the overwhelming rise of obesity and other food-related issues. Something’s gotta change.

Standing Up Against the City

With the help of some friends, Ron began planting food crops in the parkway (that space between the sidewalk and the street). His group, LA Green Grounds is comprised of gardeners from all walks of life who help transform these areas into fresh gardens.

Eventually, the city issued a citation, which later overturned via a petition on Change.org. Ironically enough, Ron points out that the City of Los Angeles is the owner of the most amount of vacant lots in the country. How much exactly?

Growing Your Own Food is Like Printing Your Own Money

Although it was more commonplace in cultures throughout the previous thousands of years to be well versed in horticulture, the past 100-200 years has changed this mindset dramatically.

Technology is likely the culprit there. Fast, easy, on demand, less effort. It was at one point a right of passage to learn to tend the farm. Today it’s a fringe form of art and leisure that is making a come back.

As food prices rise in the United States and around the world, economic uncertainty and global tension, the idea of growing your own food is becoming more and more of an option to seriously consider. Some would even suggest it’s a crucial skill to develop.

Ron makes a great point that one plant can easily provide up to 1,000, or even 10,000 seeds. Think about the sustainability in that. It’s developing independence while exercising your freedom and taking control of your health all at the same time.

A Tool for Community Transformation

The amazing thing about Ron’s vision for the community is that it provides a solution to their issues that does not revolve around government programs and changing the public schooling system.

Food acts as the fundamental building block of our lives. It shapes the way we eat, how we view our bodies, our health, and in turn trickles down to every other avenue of life.

Gardening is life-changing because it gets you to work, to enjoy the fruits of your labor through eating off the land, and eventually turning that ethic into strategy for making a living. It is all so intertwined, and Ron does a great job at showing initiative for a vision that could radically change the stigma that has to do with South Central, or any other area of the country at the bottom of the economic scale.

For Holistik Health, we love the superfoods and think those are great plants to grow in your home garden. The essentials are always good too. You can even grow food indoors with certain systems. Whatever it is, get involved and start planting!

Take advantage of this while you can, share this link, get it out to anyone you know.

From October 2nd to October 8th, you can watch the full length Food Matters video. They are accepting donations as well to help support the film and the movement, but it is not necessary. Be sure to spread this information and get it to everyone you know.

As summarized on the Food Matters’ website, by watching this film you will get answers to the following questions, and straight facts on:

How you can use food as medicine

Who needs vitamins?

Is organic really better?

How safe is your food?

Foods that fight anxiety and depression

Natural therapies for cancer

Which drugs might do more harm than good?

The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off!

Food Matters really delivers a well-rounded view of the elements required for health, starting with the food supply itself, and the devastating effects modern food manufacturing has had on the quality of our food. Soil depletion is a direct result of modern agricultural practices, and has led to crops containing fewer nutrients. The answer, of course, lies in reverting back to organic and sustainable agriculture. The largest study conducted into organic food confirmed that the idea that organically grown foods are healthier for you is not wishful fantasy. It’s a fact.

That four-year long study discovered that:

Organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants

Organic produce had higher levels of beneficial minerals like iron and zinc

Milk from organic herds contained up to 90 percent more antioxidants

When evaluating food and nutrition it’s also imperative to understand what happens to the nutrient content of a food when it is processed, and the potential harm that can be caused by added chemicals. Our food stores are filled to the brim with ultra-processed foods that not only contain ingredients grown in depleted, pesticide-laden soils to begin with, but are further depleted of real nutrients through processing; in the end providing very little beyond empty calories.

Yet another Himalayan Superfruit has emerged. Well, not really emerged, its been around thousands of years and has actually been used in traditional Chinese culture for many of those years. This “Happy” little berry may very well be the most nutritious and beneficial plant food source on the planet! Yea, i know its a big claim, but watch the video below to find out why and how you can start utilizing this berry today. Check out these Goji Berry Recipes

Love to cook but want to stay away from dairy products or animal products in general?

Well, we have a solution for you today from Chef Julie Morris. Today we are going to use Chia Seeds, the ancient Aztec Superfood to create a “gel” that can be used in place of eggs! These are the chia seeds used in the video.Read More

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Here at Holistik, we look at health as an evolving entity with tradeoffs at every turn on the spectrum from recovery to performance and longevity. There is no "one right way", but there are proven paths, and we'll do our best to provide the information needed to choose the right path for you.